Granton gasholder event: come along to see the council’s proposals to create public space at the iconic structure set in the heart of the Waterfront area.
Thursday, 17 February from 12pm – 6pm at Morrisons, 3 Waterfront Broadway.
There’s an online survey too:
https://bit.ly/34DeukM
UPDATED PROGRAMME to include the history hub heritage exhibition
Granton:hub is taking part in an exciting European funded research project on the evolving heritages of Edinburgh’s shifting coastline.
The overall aim of the study is to document and understand different relationships to the heritage of this fluctuating landscape, to identify opportunities not just for institutional or governmental intervention, but also for Granton’s community to take action, and to explain what is expected from future plans.
A group of ECA academics and their students are interested in engaging with the local community, to reflect on the following themes/questions:
For this workshop, the researchers will present a summary of their findings through posters and other materials to invite discussion on the future of heritage in Granton.
To complement the CUTE exhibition, the history hub will curate a set of exhibition boards presenting the history of Granton Gasworks Station, the Madelvic Car Factory, Caroline Park House, Granton Harbour and many other heritage features in the local area.
After the event, ECA will produce a document outlining their findings, for presentation at Una Europe, hosted by Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne. Your input would therefore shape a collaborative generated dossier of information about Granton to be presented at European level.
If you have any questions then please contact artingranton@grantonhub.org
92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, a recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation reveals.
· Mental wellbeing levels in the next generation of farmers have fallen over the past year, the study also finds.
· 36% of farmers in the UK admit to being “possibly” or “probably” depressed according to another industry survey.
· 44 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2020 for those working in farming according to the Office of National Statistics.
· This week’s campaign from the Farm Safety Foundation will remind those living and working in the industry to Mind Your Head.
2020 and 2021 proved incredibly challenging for the UK’s farming industry. There were extreme weather conditions, poor harvests, supply chain shortages and a global pandemic to contend with but, through it all, farming endured as it always does.
Over the past two years, the UK’s farmers have been recognised as key workers. Their hard work puts food on our plates, produced to some of the highest standards in the world, and their careful stewardship knits together the environmental and social fabric of our iconic landscape.
The UK’s farmers are a remarkable breed; adaptable, resilient and incredibly hardworking but, the commitment of our farmers comes at a price.
In an industry that continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure we are all looking after our physical and mental wellbeing has never been more relevant. So, from 14th – 18th February 2022, leading farm safety charity, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their fifth annual Mind Your Head campaign to illustrate actions being taken to break down mental health barriers in farming.
A recent study by the Foundation revealed that mental health issues among farmers and agricultural workers are of growing concern and are having a direct impact on safety on farms. With 92% of farmers under the age of 40 suggesting poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today (an increase from 82% in 2018).
In an industry where 34 farm workers lost their lives in fatal farm incidents in 2020/2021, there were a total of 44 suicides registered in England and Wales by those working in the farming and agricultural industry in 2020 according to the Office of National Statistics.
Whether or not the number of suicides has increased as a result of the pandemic is a matter for experts and should not be speculated on.
According to Professor Louis Appleby, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester and Chair of the national advisory group on suicide prevention at the Department of Health and Social Care: “Figures like these are important in understanding the tragedy of suicide.
“They are not dry data, they are real lives lost, real families devastated. No figure, whether high or low, is acceptable. We need to beware of alarming claims and predictions without evidence – misleading and potentially harmful to those in the industry who are already struggling.”
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “As an industry, I think it is time we deal with the issue of poor mental health head on. We need to talk about our feelings and let everyone living and working in farming know that it’s completely ok to have feelings, good and bad, but it’s also important to let them out.
“Life isn’t always as it seems, we don’t post on social media about the days that we wished we didn’t get out of bed or the days we didn’t feel like it.
“Most people feel the pressure to keep up with everyone’s ‘perfect’ life. My father always advised me to never judge anyone unless you walked in their shoes, these are words that I live by, as it is important to know what is really going on behind the smile, or even their grumpy demeanour.
“Many living and working in rural communities are suffering and doing so in silence. As an industry, it’s time to ease the pressure, stop expecting people to be perfect and start talking openly about feelings with people you trust.”
Today is Valentine’s Day – a day when many show their affection by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. This Valentine’s Day, the Farm Safety Foundation is reminding farmers that self-love is important too.
Stephanie added: “A day like Valentine’s Day which celebrates love and togetherness can often highlight how different, alone or low we feel so it is important to check in with yourself and others and reach out to those who may be feeling down, lonely or struggling.
“Whatever it is that you choose to do, just know that your mental health should never be ignored and you are not alone.”
The recent R.A.B.I Big Farming Survey revealed that 36% of the farming community in the UK are ‘probably’ or ‘possibly’ depressed and sadly, the stigma around mental health often prevents those who need help from seeking it.
So, for the next five days, key farming organisations from five countries will join forces to support the Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign and try to dispel the myths and tackle the stigma around poor mental health in the industry and highlight the wealth of support available to those living and working in farming.
BBC’s Strictly winner, actor Kelvin Fletcher, who last year bought a 120-acre farm in the Peak District is supporting the 2022 Mind Your Head campaign.
As a new entrant to the industry, Kelvin appreciates the many challenges facing farmers at present and the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing at work.
Kevin says: “I feel really privileged to have been welcomed so warmly by the farming community, who have supported me so much since I started my farm last year. Before joining farming, I had no idea the community was so heavily impacted by bad mental health.
“Campaigns like Mind Your Head are so important if we’re going to chip away at the stigma that surrounds mental illness in the industry. If one person reads about Mind Your Head and decides to reach out or to check in on a loved one, that’s a step in the right direction.
“Please, be that person and start the conversation. You never know how much it could mean to someone struggling silently.”
For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign or to learn more about how the Farm Safety Foundation is tackling the issue of poor mental health in the agricultural industry please visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube using the hashtag #MindYourHead
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with the support of the NHS, has today launched a major new national campaign to increase the number of those eligible attending their cervical screening in England.
The new Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign urges women and those who may be eligible not to ignore their cervical screening invite, and if they missed their last one, to book an appointment with their GP practice or sexual health clinic now.
Latest figures from March 2021 show that nearly a third (30%) of eligible individuals – women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 – were not screened.[1]
Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and approximately 690 women die from the disease – around two deaths every day.[2] Previous estimates suggest screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths, but 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly.[3]
As part of the campaign, a new survey of 3,000 women and people with a cervix commissioned by DHSC today reveals a number of concerns which prevent cervical screening.
Embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment (stated by 42% of respondents), followed by those who “kept putting it off” (34%) and “being worried it would be painful” (28%). 15% of lesbian or bisexual women over 25 had never had a smear test, compared to 7% of women over 25 in general.[4]
To tackle these barriers and help drive uptake, a new film has been released featuring Loose Women panellist Linda Robson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, broadcaster Louise Minchin, Drag Queen Victoria Scone and female rights activist Sharon Gaffka, alongside GP and media medic, Dr Zoe Williams.
Through life saving conversations, they tackle the barriers to attending cervical screening and encourage those eligible to book their appointment when invited.
Maria Caulfield, Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care, said: “Around two women die every day from cervical cancer, but screening takes just a few minutes and can stop the disease before it starts.
“Through our new campaign we’re calling on all women and people with a cervix to get screened to help save hundreds of lives. Even if you’re feeling embarrassed or nervous, please don’t ignore your invitation.”
The full findings from the new survey reveal:
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said: “There is no doubt about it – cervical screening saves lives. By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer.
“We know that it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life.
“And please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have – we are here to help you.”
In England, NHS cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 24.5 and 49 every three years. For those between the ages of 50 and 64, screening is offered every five years.
Cervical screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64 every 5 years.
The campaign will emphasise that screening, which only takes a few minutes, can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, and is being supported by charities, including Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.
Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus that most people will get at some point.
While for people with high-risk HPV the risk of getting cancer is low, any abnormal changes can be identified early. Cell changes are easily treated, and this prevents cervical cancer. That is why attending screening appointments is so important.
Running throughout England from 14th February to 14th March, the campaign will include TV advertising, video on demand and social media, partnerships, together with national and regional PR activity.
It also includes activity targeted to ethnic minority (Black and South Asian) and LGBTQ+ communities, as data shows these groups can experience specific barriers to taking up screening.
GP Dr Zoe Williams, who features in the campaign, said: “The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious, and there may not be any symptoms at all until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
“That’s why it’s important that you attend all your cervical screening appointments.
“If you are feeling nervous or embarrassed, then I cannot encourage you enough to talk to your nurse during the test and remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. If you’re worried about feeling exposed, I would suggest wearing a skirt, dress or long jumper when you go for your screening.
“Screening can stop cancer before it starts and saves thousands of lives every year. If you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic now.”
Scarlett Moffatt said: “A few years ago, my cervical screening may have saved my life. The screening detected HPV and abnormal cells linked to the development of cervical cancer, and I underwent treatment to have the cells removed.
“If I hadn’t been to that appointment, I don’t know what situation I would have been in now. That’s why I’m so passionate about and proud to be supporting the new Cervical Screening campaign from the Department for Health & Social Care.
“To understand more about the role of screening and discuss why people may be reluctant to attend their appointment, I had an informative conversation with Dr. Zoe Williams.”
“I cannot urge people enough to talk to their doctor or nurse about cervical screening if they’re feeling embarrassed or nervous. Please attend your appointment when you are invited – it’s a few minutes that could save your life.”
Sharon Gaffka, female rights activist, 25, said: “You’re always a bit worried because you hear misconceptions from other people about cervical screening so you can think it’s going to be really embarrassing or you wonder if it’s going to hurt.
“Being part of these life saving conversations can really help put your mind at ease, and I find being open with my friends and family, just talking about the topic, can make a huge difference.”
Victoria Scone, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant and TV Personality, commented: “Initially I was uncertain as to whether a cervical screening was imperative for me as a queer woman.
“However, this new campaign has clarified that all women and people with a cervix, including those in the LGBTQ+ community like myself are eligible for a screening, so I booked myself in. I think it’s so important to openly talk about cervical screenings and encourage each other to attend theirs.”
Louise Minchin, broadcaster and journalist, 53, who usually feels nervous when she attends her cervical screening, said: “Next time I get invited to my screening, I’m going to remember that it’s going to be ok and over in a few minutes.
“From my discussion with Dr Zoe Williams, there are many barriers which deter some women and people with a cervix from taking up the offer of a screening – from the worry it might hurt or embarrassment.
“I want to help break down these barriers and empower women to be confident to go to their cervical screening, and ask their doctor or nurse any questions on their mind.”
TV Personality and Loose Women Panellist, Linda Robson, 63, said: “I think it’s so important to talk about cervical screening – I talk to my daughters about it regularly, and always encourage them to book if they are due.
“I want to do the same for everyone, as it’s a test that can save your life. Don’t put off your cervical screenings and if you have any worries, don’t sit there in silence, please talk to your friends or family.
“The screening itself is so quick, and doctors and nurses can talk to you about the process and what it entails.”
Eligible parents are being urged to apply for Scottish Child Payment on the first anniversary of its roll out.
The payment of £10 per week, unique to Scotland, began in February 2021 as a direct measure to tackle poverty. It provides regular, additional financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child.
Since launch, the families of around 106,000 children have benefited from £520 a year and the payment will double to £20 per week from April.
By the end of this year – subject to data being made available by the DWP – the payment will extend to include all eligible children under the age of 16.
In 2019-20 the Scottish Government invested nearly £2 billion in support for low income households, including over £672 million targeted specifically at children.
Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government said: “The Scottish Government is determined to deliver on our ambition to eradicate child poverty in Scotland. So this year we will be even bolder with the ambitious and transformational measures we will take.
“From April, our Scottish Child Payment will double to £20 a week – four times the amount anti-poverty campaigners originally asked for. Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments, this will provide a package of financial support worth £8,400 by the time an eligible family’s first child turns 6.
“The extension to 16 year olds will continue this progress with the number of eligible children increasing to 430,000. In 2023-24 we estimate the Scottish Child Payment could lift 40,000 children out of poverty.
“This is part of the national mission we have set ourselves and society to tackle child poverty and our focus must be relentless and constant.
“Because many people learn about Scottish Child Payment through word of mouth, if you think a friend or family member might qualify, please encourage them to find out more and to help to ensure that everyone eligible gets the support they are entitled too.
“This way, we can all play a part in ensuring the continued success of Scottish Child Payment, advancing our fight to eradicate child poverty and building an equal and fairer country.”
The Scottish Government committed to introducing the Scottish Child Payment in June 2019 as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.
John Dickie, the Director of the Child Poverty Action Group, said: “The Scottish Child Payment is already providing vital financial support to families, helping parents give the best possible start in life to their children.
“Doubling its value from April comes at a critical time, helping families stay afloat as food and energy prices soar. The roll out to eligible children over five is now eagerly anticipated and really can’t come soon enough.”
Valentine’s Day is almost here! If you’re thinking of going for the easy option with a trip to the pub this February 14th, the love of your life may be a little downhearted.
Make a promise to think about your heart this Valentine’s Day with just a few healthier choices that can also be romantic too. Here are a few tips from us:
Massage
A Cheeky Dance
Weekend Away
Serve Oysters
The love of your life might be priceless to you, but remember your heart is priceless too.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips
To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/
Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:
https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/
POLICE are urging you to look out for friends and family this Valentine’s Day to help them stay safe from romance fraud.
Criminals go to great lengths to use fake profiles in an attempt to build seemingly genuine relationships, before appealing to your compassionate side to ask for money.
Your friend or family member may be involved in a romance scam if they express very strong emotions and commitment to someone they have only just met.
Another sign may be if they have sent, or are planning to send, money to someone they have not met face-to-face.
If you think someone you know has fallen for a romance scam they should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
Who says Valentine’s Day has to fit the same boring routine, who even says you have to bring your romantic partner along?! Book a weekend away with friends and upgrade the predictable Valentine’s obligations to a memorable ‘Galentine’s Day’. Plus, this February enjoy 20 per cent off all Rabbie’s UK and Ireland tours.
Rabbie’s boozy breaks take guests to state-of-the-art award-winning distilleries to learn how delicious whiskies and gins are created. These trips are perfect for groups, but you don’t need a special excuse to book! Other popular days out include visits to cosy Cotswold villages and charming coastal communities. Great group days out include:
Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester
Laverstoke Distillery, home of world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin, is an old paper mill which combines Victorian and ultra-modern architecture to create a suitably stunning place to learn about and sample award-winning gin.
Bombay Sapphire has been recognised for its ethically minded production, not to mention its delicious taste. On a tour of the distillery, guests learn about the history of the wonderous drink and the hard work that goes into creating its beautiful botanical flavour.
After the tour and sampling session, guests are encouraged to visit The Mill Café, serving delicious local produce, and the Mill Bar, a glamorous spot to enjoy a cocktail alongside the River Test.
Guests on this tour will also visit the beautiful city of Winchester. Dive into the history of England’s ancient capital by exploring its glorious cathedral, ancient mill, cute cafes and plentiful museums.
Prices for this one-day tour departing from London start from £56 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.
Loch Lomond, Cruise & Whisky
Scotland takes its Whisky seriously, it’s the country’s national drink and takes skill and patience to create.
This tour departing from Glasgow mixes Whisky with Scotland’s other famous speciality, breath-taking views. The first stop is the southern shore of Loch Lomond, where a one-hour long boat cruise offers dramatic sights of castles and surrounding mountains.
The cruise visits Inchmurrin Island, the largest of Loch Lomond’s 33 islands and home to the ancient remains of Lennox Castle, a hiding spot once used by Robert the Bruce. Be sure to visit the picturesque village of Luss, complete with quaint cottages.
Return to Glasgow to visit to the renowned Clydeside Whisky Distillery. Proud to bring distilling back to the city, this state-of-the-art site can be found at the historic Queen’s Dock. Learn the secrets of Scotland’s national drink from an expert guide before visiting the tasting room; knowledge of the traditional methods makes the taste of single malt even more special.
Take some time to explore Glasgow’s vibrant bars and music venues to make this a Valentine’s to remember. Prices for this one-day tour start at £35 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.
Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages
After visiting Oxford’s historical colleges and delightful cafes, get ready for a whirlwind exploration of some the most quaint and beautiful villages in England. Begin at the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ – Burford.
A small market town which boasts enormous character and depth. Take time to visit the many independent shopping outlets on its famous steep high street, if you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of spots for a traditional afternoon tea.
Make the short journey to Bibury, dubbed the prettiest village in England by William Morris, to stroll its charming streets and fairy-tale-like Arlington Row before embarking on the comfortable journey back to London.
Prices for the one-day tour start from £62 per person based on February and March 2022 departures.
As with all Rabbie’s tours, guests are transported in luxury 16-person mini-coaches and treated to the stories and services of a friendly-driver guide. The mini-coaches mean Rabbie’s tours can reach the smaller, independent destinations, ensuring your trips supports local communities and independent businesses.
Destinations in the UK and Ireland have seen reduced visitor numbers for the past two winters. To help make 2022 the winter of recovery, Rabbie’s is running a Get Out to Help Out Scheme, offering 20 per cent off trips departing in February.
Simply use the GETOUT20 discount code when booking at www.rabbies.com.
Cats can’t express love with a thoughtful greetings card or box of chocolates but learning to read a few tell-tale pointers can reveal how they really feel about you.
This Valentine’s Day, Cats Protection is sharing five behavioural signs that your cats loves and trusts you, as well as some tips for keeping them happy, healthy and safe.
If your cat displays any of these behaviours, it’s likely you’ve found a very content soulmate:
1. Slow blinking
If your cat slow blinks at you, it’s a big deal. It’s their way of signalling that they trust you enough to close their eyes in your presence. The best response is to slow blink back, letting them know the affection is mutual.
2. Showing their tummy
A cat’s tummy is a vulnerable area and most cats don’t like to be touched there. If your cat rolls over and shows their tummy, it’s a loving greeting and sign of trust. The temptation to stroke their tummy could result in a warning scratch. A better response would be a nice chin rub or tickle behind their ears as a sure way to generate affectionate purrs of appreciation.
3. Head bumps
Head bumps are the cat equivalent of a hug. When a cat rubs their head or cheek on you, they’re transferring some of their own scent, marking you as someone who is familiar and can be trusted. You might see them doing this to objects in your home too, which is marking their territory as safe and familiar.
4. Kneading
Kneading or ‘making biscuits’ is a behaviour cats perform as kittens to stimulate the flow of milk from their mum. Many cats continue doing it into adulthood and it’s thought they do this simply because it feels good and is a sign of contentment. If your cat starts kneading you, it likely means they’re happy and comfortable on your lap. If you can withstand their claws, that’s an extra sign that you love them too.
5. Tail pointing up
Cats can communicate a lot with just their tail. If it’s low and swishing from side-to-side, they’re feeling worried or indecisive. If their tail is puffed up, then it’s likely they’re scared or feeling stressed. But if your cat comes towards you with their tail pointing up, they are happy to see you and the best response is to let them sniff your hand and give them a fuss to show you’re happy to see them too.
Learning to read your cat’s body language is a great way to help you understand when they’re happy or when they’re stressed and want to be alone.
Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, said: “While there are behaviours that are true for most cats as well as a few things that should be avoided, each cat is an individual. Getting to know your cat is one of the most fulfilling things about becoming a cat owner.
“Take your time, take their lead. Ask your cat to show you how they like to be treated. Some cats take longer than others to build a relationship, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t become best friends straight away.”
Sharing special moments can be beneficial for you and your cat and there are simple ways to show them you care.
Cats love boxes. Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows how cats will squeeze into the smallest cardboard cartons. As solitary creatures by nature, having somewhere safe to snooze is important, especially if it is up high so they can keep an eye on their surroundings. Try filling a box with a blanket to make it even more cosy and place it in a warm, quiet corner.
Playing with your cat will release their feel-good hormones called endorphins and help to burn off excess energy. As natural hunters driven by the thrill of the chase, not hunger, cats love to stalk and pounce. Just 10 minutes a day will keep them happy, healthy and your best friend.
For more information visit Cats Protection’s online guide to cat behaviour.
Now that January has been and gone you might be thinking of those new year’s resolutions you made last month and are yet to make a start on. Was taking on a new challenge one of them? How about raising money for charity?
If so, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) can help with their Make a Splash challenge. The challenge gives you the change to clock up miles in water-based activities including swimming, open water swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up-paddleboarding.
RLSS UK is a national charity and the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland and fundraising and donations can enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely, because every life is worth saving.
Make a Splash challenges you to be the best version of yourself, both physically and mentally, as well as giving you the opportunity to smash some personal goals whilst helping everyone across the UK enjoy water safely.
Charity Director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Lee Heard, commented “The Make a Splash challenge is completely flexible in location and timescale so you can complete the challenge when it works for you in a way that suits your strengths. You can choose to swim, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and RLSS UK will offer full support throughout your challenge to keep you motivated.
“Make a Splash is available in a variety of distances: 10km, 25km, 50km, and 100km so you can take your pick on a distance to suit you. Entering the challenge means you will receive a swim hat along with a booklet full of tips and support to ensure you have everything you need to complete the challenge and succeed.
“When you complete the challenge, you’ll also receive a medal and certificate so you can celebrate your success.
“We also have a wealth of water safety advice to ensure that you stay safe during your challenge.
“Not only will you be completing a fantastic challenge, but you will be raising funds for charity help us to ensure that everyone can enjoy water safely can continue to be shared widely.
“At the start of each month, you can share your fundraising total and be added to the leaderboard and if you are crowned top fundraiser, you will win a prize at the end of the year.”
To find out more and to sign up to your Make a Splash challenge visit:
www.rlss.org.uk/make-a-splash and kickstart your fundraising.
